6 WAITAKI HERALD, AUGUST 13, 2014 NEWS Kennett shares ‘amazing’ experience W By DANIEL BIRCHFIELD daniel.birchfield@waitakiherald.co.nz aimate cyclist Dylan Kennett is one gritty, proud man. The 2014 Commonwealth Games team pursuit bronze medallist visited Waitaki Boys’ High School in Oamaru on Friday. He was there to share his thoughts on his medal-winning performance and his games experience with pupils. He was also presented with an old boys tie by Waitaki Boys’ rector Paul Jackson. Kennett attended Waitaki Boys’ between 2008 and 2011, where he was a fixture in the school’s cycling team. ‘‘It’s very cool to be back and it certainly does bring back memories,’’ Kennett said of his return. For Kennett, winning a medal at the games in front of his family was a proud moment. ‘‘Getting to stand on the podium at the Commonwealth Games was amazing ... knowing that the hard work paid off only makes you want to get better.’’ While rapt to win bronze, the ultimate goal for Kennett is to go a couple better. Back at school: Commonwealth Games cycling team pursuit bronze medallist Dylan Kennett with Waitaki Boys’ High School rector Paul Jackson. ‘‘I’m proud of my medal, but hopefully it’s a gold one next time.’’ He had some advice for pupils at Waitaki Boys’, which he believes is a school that ‘‘shows boys how to be men’’. ‘‘You only get out what you put Photo: DANIEL BIRCHFIELD/FAIRFAXNZ in. That’s the same for all life. Unless you win Lotto.’’ Kennett described the games village as an ‘‘amazing’’ place and was particularly impressed with the free food, haircuts and use of a Playstation 4. ‘‘There were so many people there from so many different countries, some of which I’d never heard of before ... I thought the village was really cool.’’ He said he would now take a break before he began preparations for the World Cup season, which gets under way in November. Kennett will keep up his sixday-a-week, 15-to-24 hour training regime, but he admits things have been tough recently due to injury. ‘‘I had a crash in August 2013 in Belgium and ever since the push stroke has been feeling really awkward. ‘‘The alignment in my back and pelvis is out and my right leg is shorter than my left,’’ he said. ‘‘Training is a real issue. I have to take it day by day.’’ Kennett said it’s ‘‘possible’’ he would require surgery, but hasn’t spoken about it with the Bike NZ medical team. He believes he’s on track for the Olympics in Rio in 2016. ‘‘I’m showing up to events not quite fit ... if I can get that sorted I should be away laughing.’’ No fanfare for new court facility FROM Page 1 happy with this solution for court facilities in Oamaru,’’ Dean says. ‘‘It might have been fine in post-quake Christchurch, but I believe the Oamaru community and the wider community deserve better than this for our court services.’’ Dean says she accepts services weren’t able to continue at the original courthouse and that the Oamaru Opera House was far from ideal. She did, however, find one positive in the new facility. ‘‘If there’s an upside to this Temporary measure: The newly opened Oamaru Hearing Centre On Humber St. CONTINUED Page 7 All You Need When Travelling….. Journey Books Sm $24 Lg $29 JB k Buy Online! We Deliver Nation Wide! 5992769AE Fun Luggage T un Luggage Tags $19 Travel Wallet $53 Scanner Guard Card, Protect your Cards from ID Theft $26 www.thechinashop.co.nz Phone. 03 308 2757 Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 10am - 1pm Email: info@thechinashop.co.nz The Arcade, Ashburton. Suppliers to CRT / RURALCO / RD1 Worth travelling miles for. . . Passport Holders With Luggage Tag $46 Assorted Luggage Tags from $9